L’Occitane’s life now includes skin care, fragrances, bath and body products, makeup, men’s products, hair care, soaps, and a remarkably extensive home collection.
How We Got Started
1976
Using an old soap factory, Olivier revives the traditional art of Marseille soap-making.
With nothing but an alambic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, Olivier Baussan, at the age of 23, distills Rosemary essential oil which he sells on the local markets of Provence. The L’OCCITANE journey begins.
1976
Using an old soap factory, Olivier revives the traditional art of Marseille soap-making.
1977
L’OCCITANE reserves its first harvest of lavender, the fragrant and iconic symbol of Provence.
1980
While exploring the world for new ingredients and traditional techniques, Olivier learns about the women who produce shea butter in Burkina Faso, Africa. After discovering its incredibly nourishing qualities, he places a large order before returning to Provence, and the adventure in Burkina Faso begins.
1981
The first L’OCCITANE factory and store open in Volx, Provence.
1990
L’OCCITANE becomes a fragrance merchant, buying a barge to distribute its products, spreading the aromas of the gardens of Provence.
2012
L’OCCITANE now has over 2,000 stores all over the world
Competes On
Convenience Expertise Price Service Selection Value
Member Of
L'Occitane bought Groupe M&A Développement and its subsidiary, M&A Santé Beauté, which includes the organic cosmetic brand Melvita, in 2008.The company, which was founded in the Ardèche in 1983 by French biologist Bernard Chevilliat, commercialises ecological and organic cosmetics principally in France. In 1990, Melvita launched its first organic cosmetics range and its manufacturing obtained ECOCERT certification. They now have stores in thirteen countries.
Methods Of Payment
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